Queen's Honour: Katherine Georgouras

A ‘‘feminist by example’’, Katherine Georgouras was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia for services to medicine in the field of dermatology.

Dr Katherine Georgouras OAM. Picture: Gene Ramirez

A ‘‘feminist by example’’, Katherine Georgouras was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia for services to medicine in the field of dermatology.

The Kenthurst resident, 83, was the first woman in Australia to be appointed a professor after the University of NSW invited her to join their dermatology department. She then lead the research team that established the first standard in the world for sun-protective clothing.

Dr Georgouras still runs a clinic at a Castle Hill retirement village though she retired from full-time practice 10 years ago.

‘‘It gives me an excuse to read medicine in bed, because whether you see one patient or 1000 patients you still need to be up to date,’’ she said.

Her long career has included teaching both medicine students and GPs in city and country areas, and clinical practice in Castle Hill for more than 30 years. She also moved a lucrative private practice into the public Lidcombe Hospital when she realised the need for an affordable service.

The dermatology clinic continues today at Liverpool Hospital.

Dr Georgouras’ hobbies have included growing roses, classical music, horses and racing a Porsche in the 1960’s.

She said her family was the highlight of her life though it was terrific to become an OAM.

‘‘It’s wonderful to get that recognition, but you don’t want to forget that the important thing is what you have actually achieved,’’ she said.

‘‘That human endeavour that you indulge in, that’s the most exciting thing.’’